Self ligating orthodontic bracket

ABSTRACT

An orthodontic self-ligating bracket for orthodontic treatment of maloccluded teeth. The bracket includes a bracket body, a bracket door, and a spring mechanism retained by the bracket door. The bracket body has a base on the bottom side of the bracket body that is contoured to attach to a surface of a tooth, a bracket slot on the top side of the bracket body extending in a mesiodistal direction and configured to releasably retain an archwire, and a bracket groove on the top side of the bracket body extending in an occlusogingival direction towards the bracket slot. The spring mechanism includes one or more springs that are configured to contact the bracket door and the bracket body. The bracket door can thus be retained by and slidably engage the bracket body between an open position and a closed position. One or more additional active spring members may also be provided.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation application of U.S. Ser. No. 15/081,574, filed onMar. 25, 2016, which claims priority from provisional U.S. ApplicationNo. 62/249,110, filed Oct. 30, 2015, which are incorporated by referencein their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to orthodontic brackets forproviding orthodontic treatment of maloccluded teeth, and morespecifically relates to a self-ligating orthodontic bracket with asliding door for releasably retaining an archwire in a bracket slot.

Orthodontic brackets or braces are a very popular method of treatingmisaligned or maloccluded teeth. Traditionally, brackets are bonded tothe labial or possibly lingual surfaces of a patient's teeth, and anarchwire is placed in the slot of each bracket to guide movement of theteeth. Brackets are generally pre-adjusted to have built-inprescriptions of torque, tip, and in-out which are optimized for averagecases of tooth movement. For instance, a bracket may be angled withrespect to an occlusal plane (i.e. the bracket has a “tip angle”),depending on the tooth on which the bracket is to be placed. A ligatureor ligating module, typically an elastomeric band such as a rubber band,is placed around the tie wings of a bracket to hold the archwire inplace. However, ligatures typically cause friction on the wire duringmovement, resulting in a relatively slow treatment process, and theytend to attract plaque and trap food particles, a common cause of toothdecay or infection. As a result, the use of self-ligating orthodonticbrackets has steadily become a prevalent alternative solution tomalocclusion treatment.

A self-ligating orthodontic bracket does not require a ligature to holdthe archwire in place. Rather, the bracket uses a clip or slide whichopens and closes to releasably retain the archwire in the bracket slot.Thus, friction on wire movement is reduced compared to conventionalbrackets, resulting in potentially faster treatment time. An example ofa conventional self-ligating bracket includes a base for attachment to atooth surface, an archwire slot sized for receiving an archwire, achannel formed upon the base and transversely oriented to the archwireslot, and a sliding member slidably retained in the channel andcloseable over the archwire slot. The sides of the bracket are crimpedto securely retain the sliding member. Another type of self-ligatingbracket includes a flexible pin to secure the sliding member in theclosed position. However, these types of self-ligating brackets requireadditional processes or additives for securing the sliding member to thebracket, thus adding an additional layer of manufacturing complexity andincreased cost.

Additionally, errors made while coining, bending, or crimping the sidesof the bracket to retain the sliding member are typically irreversiblewithout damaging the bracket, thus potentially resulting insignificantly higher expenditures. For example, too much compressionapplied to the sides of the bracket may preclude the sliding member frommoving, thus requiring the brackets to be discarded. Moreover, toolittle compression applied to the sides of the bracket may cause thesliding member to accidentally disengage from the bracket during use,resulting in patient and physician dissatisfaction and possible bracketrecalls.

Hence, it is desirable to facilitate the assembly process by providing aself-ligating bracket that does not require crimping, bending, coining,fastening, or gluing the sliding member to the bracket. Additionally, itis desirable to provide a self-ligating bracket that is easy tomanufacture and assemble, that is cost-effective, that requires noadhesives nor additives to assemble the sliding member to the bracket,and that reduces plaque buildup through minimal empty space in thebracket. It is further desirable to provide a self-ligating orthodonticbracket that can passively or actively express the bracket'sprescription by providing for the sliding member to fully enclose thearchwire in the bracket slot. Moreover, it is desirable to providemetallic and aesthetic self-ligating brackets with lower profiles,improved patient comfort, ease of manufacture, improved door operation,and improved visual orthodontic references. The present invention meetsthese and other needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The self-ligating orthodontic bracket according to the present inventionprovides one or more benefits and advantages not previously offered bythe prior art, including but not limited to, a self-ligating bracketthat does not require crimping, bending, coining, fastening, or gluingthe sliding member or bracket door to the bracket. The self-ligatingbracket may be passive or active, and it incorporates a spring mechanismthat is borne by the bracket door. In a preferred embodiment, the springmechanism biases or propels the bracket door between an opened positionand a closed position, allows for easy assembly of the bracket door tothe bracket body while preventing disassembly, and may becost-effectively used for any self-ligating bracket regardless ofbracket prescription.

Accordingly, there is provided an orthodontic self-ligating bracket fororthodontic treatment of maloccluded teeth that includes a bracket bodyhaving a bottom, lingual side and a top, labial side, a bracket doorhaving a bottom, lingual side and a top, labial side, and a springmechanism that includes one or more springs configured to contact and beretained by the bracket door. The bracket body has a base on the bottomside of the bracket body that is contoured to attach to a surface of atooth, a bracket slot on the top side of the bracket body extending in amesiodistal direction and configured to releasably retain an archwire,and a bracket groove on the top side of the bracket body extending in anocclusogingival direction. Preferably, the bracket body has one or morefirst depressions and one or more second depressions that are sized toengage or receive the one or more springs.

The bracket door slidably engages the bracket groove between an openposition, in which the bracket slot is exposed to allow for placementand removal of the archwire, and a closed position, in which the bracketslot is enclosed to securely retain the archwire. In a preferredembodiment, the bracket door is slidably movable and is propelled intothe open position upon application of a force to the door such that theone or more springs slide into the one or more first depressions, andthe bracket door is slidably movable and is propelled into the closedposition upon application of a force to the door such that the one ormore springs slide into the one or more second depressions.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the one or moresprings include a mesial spring and a distal spring, each of which isconfigured to contact the bracket door and the mesial or distal side ofthe bracket groove, respectively. The bracket body includes a mesialrecess on a mesial side of the bracket groove having a mesial firstdepression and a mesial second depression, and a distal recess on adistal side of the bracket groove having a distal first depression and adistal second depression. In this embodiment, the bracket door isslidably movable and is propelled into the open position uponapplication of a force to the door such that the mesial spring slidesinto the mesial first depression and the distal spring slides into thedistal first depression. Similarly, the bracket door is slidably movableand is propelled into the closed position upon application of a force tothe door such that the mesial spring slides into the mesial seconddepression and the distal spring slides into the distal seconddepression.

In a preferred aspect, the mesial first depression and the mesial seconddepression taper off towards each other at a first midpoint, and thedistal first recess and the distal second recess taper off towards eachother at a second midpoint. In this way, the first midpoint and thesecond midpoint define the positions where the bracket door propels fromthe open position towards the closed position, and vice-versa.

Preferably, the mesial spring and the distal spring each have a firstend, an intermediate segment, and a second end. Each spring's first endis configured to contact the bracket door, and each spring's second endis configured to contact the bracket body. Additionally, each spring'sintermediate segment is preferably shaped to maximize the running lengthof the spring and distribute stresses caused by movement of the bracketdoor, for example in a U-shaped configuration. Moreover, each spring'sintermediate segment is configured to wrap around a surface of thebracket door.

According to another presently preferred aspect, the mesial spring andthe distal spring are configured to contact the bracket door and thebracket body such that the first end and the second end of each springare positioned on different planes, and such that the intermediatesegment of each spring is positioned on another plane angled withrespect to the planes on which the first end and the second end of eachspring are aligned. In one aspect, the planes on which the first end andthe second end of each spring are aligned are orthogonal planes. In analternative aspect, the planes on which the first end and the second endof each spring are aligned are parallel planes.

In this preferred embodiment, the bracket door includes a receivingfeature that is sized to engage or receive the one or more springs.According to a presently preferred aspect, the receiving feature is onthe bottom side of the bracket door and includes a mesial cavity havinga trailing mesial groove and a distal cavity having a trailing distalgroove. The mesial cavity is configured to receive the first end of themesial spring such that the intermediate segment of the mesial springtravels along the trailing mesial groove. Moreover, the distal cavity isconfigured to receive the first end of the distal spring such that theintermediate segment of the distal spring travels along the trailingdistal groove. In an alternative preferred aspect, the receiving featureincludes ledges in lieu of a mesial cavity and a distal cavity which areconfigured to receive the first ends of the mesial and distal springs.

The receiving feature preferably includes one or more recesses on asurface of the bracket door, for example, a curved spring recess on boththe mesial side and the distal side of the bracket door. The surface maybe external or internal to the bracket door. Moreover, each intermediatesegment is configured to wrap around the surface of the bracket doorwithin each curved spring recess.

In other preferred aspects, the bracket door includes relief areaswithin which the second end of the mesial spring and the second end ofthe distal spring deflect when the bracket door is slidably engaged withthe bracket groove and moved between the open position and the closedposition. Moreover, the bracket groove includes tapered sides that areconfigured to contact the mesial spring and the distal spring as thebracket door is slidably inserted into the bracket groove. In someaspects, the bracket may be oriented at a tip angle relative to anocclusal plane, and the mesial spring and the distal spring arepositioned to accommodate the tip angle.

The self-ligating orthodontic bracket of the present invention may bepassive or active. In the active version of the preferred embodimentdescribed above, the bracket includes one or more active springs thateach include a first portion and a second portion. Preferably, the firstportion of each active spring is insertable into and retained by thebracket door, and the second portion of each active spring contacts thearchwire in the bracket slot when the bracket door is in the closedposition. Alternatively, the active spring is a tang that is integrallyborne by and extending from the bracket door.

In a preferred aspect, the bracket door retains the one or more activesprings using a receiving feature on the bottom side of the bracket doorthat includes a recess and a channel. The recess receives the firstportion of the one or more active springs, and the channel is sized toreceive the second portion of the one or more active springs as itengages or contacts the archwire. In another presently preferred aspect,the bracket door includes a relief area that is connected to thechannel.

Various other preferred aspects are contemplated within the scope of thepreferred embodiments described above. For example, in one preferredaspect, the preferred embodiments of the present invention can bepassive or active brackets as previously described. In another preferredaspect, the base of the bracket body is dual compound contoured toengage a surface of a molar tooth. In another preferred aspect, the baseof the bracket may be smooth, or it may have a bonding system. Forexample, the bonding system of the base may include pylons or mesh.Alternatively, the base may have a smooth surface with small shards ofceramic as the bracket's bonding system.

According to another presently preferred aspect, the bracket has apredetermined prescription including tip angle and torque. Inembodiments where a plurality of springs are used, the springs arepreferably mirror images of each other and therefore allow theorthodontic self-ligating bracket to operate for any predeterminedbracket prescription, regardless of tip angle and torque.

According to yet another presently preferred aspect, the top side of thebracket body includes a tool depression adjacent to the bracket slotthat is configured to accept a tool for opening the bracket door whenthe bracket door is in the closed position. According to anotherpresently preferred aspect, the bracket body includes curved tie winggrooves for optional placement of ligatures on the gingival side of thebracket body and on the occlusal side of the bracket body. According toanother presently preferred aspect, the top side of the bracket body andthe bracket door includes an area or groove for applying a visualorthodontic reference.

According to a further presently preferred aspect, the outside edges ofthe bracket slot are rounded to prevent notching of the archwire. Inanother preferred aspect, the bracket slot includes a fluted inlet tofacilitate insertion of the archwire into the bracket slot. In anotherpresently preferred aspect, the top side of the bracket door is roundedto improve patient comfort. According to another presently preferredaspect, the one or more springs are round wire springs. According toanother presently preferred aspect, the bracket door, the bracket body,and the one or more springs are engaged to leave minimal empty space forplaque growth or calcification. According to another presently preferredaspect, the bracket door and bracket groove are shaped in the form of amale and female dovetail, respectively.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become moreapparent from the following detailed description of the preferredembodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, whichillustrate, by way of example, the operation of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a self-ligating orthodontic brackethaving a bracket body, a bracket door, and one or more springs accordingto a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the bracket body of the self-ligatingorthodontic bracket depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a bottom plan view of the bracket door of the self-ligatingorthodontic bracket depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the bracket door depicted in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a spring that contacts the bracket bodyand the bracket door illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4B is a side elevational view of the spring of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 is a gingival side view of the bracket door illustrating thepositioning of the springs in relation to the bracket door.

FIG. 6 is an occlusal side view of the self-ligating orthodontic bracketwhere the springs are properly positioned on the bracket door and thebracket door engages with the bracket body.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the self-ligating orthodontic bracketshowing the door in the open position such that the bracket slot isexposed to place or remove an archwire.

FIG. 8 is a mesiodistal side elevational view of the self-ligatingorthodontic bracket depicted in FIG. 7 showing the door in the openposition.

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the self-ligating orthodontic bracketshowing the door in the closed position such that the bracket doorencloses the bracket slot to securely retain an archwire.

FIG. 10 is a mesiodistal side elevational view of the self-ligatingorthodontic bracket depicted in FIG. 9 showing the door in the closedposition.

FIG. 11A is a top plan view of an exemplary self-ligating orthodonticbracket according to the preferred embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 withthe door in the open position.

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of another exemplary self-ligatingorthodontic bracket according to the preferred embodiment depicted inFIG. 1 with the door in the open position.

FIG. 12A is a top plan view of the self-ligating orthodontic bracketshown in FIG. 11A showing the door in the closed position.

FIG. 12B is a perspective view of the self-ligating orthodontic bracketshown in FIG. 11B showing the door in the closed position.

FIG. 13A is a mesiodistal side elevational view of the self-ligatingorthodontic bracket depicted in FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13B is a mesiodistal side elevational view of the self-ligatingorthodontic bracket depicted in FIG. 12B.

FIG. 14 is an occlusal side view of a self-ligating orthodontic bracketfor a molar tooth according to an alternative aspect of the preferredembodiment depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 15 is a mesiodistal side elevational view of the self-ligatingorthodontic bracket depicted in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a gingival side view of the self-ligating orthodontic bracketdepicted in FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of a self-ligating orthodontic bracketincluding a bracket body, a bracket door, and one or more springsaccording to the preferred embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, and having anadditional active spring member retained by the bracket door.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the lingual side of the bracket doordepicted in the self-ligating orthodontic bracket illustrated in FIG.17.

FIG. 19 is a lingual side view of the bracket door depicted in FIG. 18illustrating the active spring member.

FIG. 20 is a mesiodistal side elevational view of the self-ligatingorthodontic bracket depicted in FIG. 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides for a self-ligating orthodontic bracketthat is easier to assemble and more cost-effective than conventionalself-ligating orthodontic brackets. The present invention does notrequire crimping, bending, coining, fastening, or gluing a clip or slideto a bracket, but rather uses a force giving mechanism, preferably aspring mechanism, to assemble the slide to the bracket. The presentinvention also requires no adhesives or additives, helps to reduceplaque buildup by having minimal empty space in the bracket, andprovides for metallic and aesthetic self-ligating brackets with lowerprofiles, increased patient comfort, easier manufacturing, improvedopening and closing forces and mechanisms, and improved visual cues fora doctor.

FIG. 1 illustrates a self-ligating orthodontic bracket 10 according toan embodiment of the present invention. The self-ligating bracketincludes a bracket body 12 having a lingual side or bottom side 14 and alabial side or top side 16, a bracket door or slide 18 which slidablyengages with the bracket body, and a spring mechanism 20 including oneor more springs (70A and 70B) that engage the bracket body and thebracket door. In one preferred aspect, the spring mechanism isconstantly under tension as it engages the bracket body and the bracketdoor. In an alternative preferred aspect, the spring mechanism is in aresting, substantially tensionless state when it engages the bracketbody and the bracket door. The spring mechanism is preferably notvisible to a user when viewing the top side or labial surface of theself-ligating bracket.

The bottom side of the bracket body has a base 22 which is compoundcontoured to engage a surface of a tooth, and an archwire slot orbracket slot 24 is positioned on the top side of the bracket body. Thebracket slot extends in a mesiodistal direction and is sized toreleasably retain an archwire 26. Preferably, the outside edges of thebracket slot are rounded to help prevent archwire notching duringorthodontic treatment, thus reducing the risk of fray or damage causedby movement of the archwire within the bracket slot. The bracket bodyand bracket door are preferably created using injection moldedcomponents, and they can be manufactured from metallic, ceramic,plastic, or other types of material. Optionally, the self-ligatingbracket 10 includes a hook 27 that is shaped to facilitate attachment ofan elastomeric, such as a ligature, onto the hook, without coming intocontact with the gingiva. The shape of the hook may vary depending onthe material used for the self-ligating bracket to provide increasedstrength for the bracket. The individual components of the self-ligatingorthodontic bracket and how they interoperate are discussed in referenceto the following Figures.

Referring to FIG. 2, the top side of the bracket body includes a bracketgroove 28, a mesial surface 29A, and a distal surface 29B. The bracketgroove 28 extends in an occlusogingival direction and includes opposingside slots (87) which guide movement of the bracket door along thebracket groove. The mesial surface 29A and distal surface 29B of thebracket body further support movement of the bracket door along thebracket groove. In one preferred aspect, the bracket groove ultimatelyconnects with the bracket slot, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Alternatively,a wall (not shown in the Figures) may separate the bracket groove fromthe bracket slot.

The bracket body preferably includes one or more recesses sized toreceive or engage the one or more springs of the spring mechanism. Theone or more recesses may be on the sides of the bracket body, asexemplarily depicted in FIG. 2. Alternatively, the one or more recessesmay be positioned anywhere within the bracket groove. In the exemplaryembodiment depicted in FIG. 2, a mesial recess 30 is positioned on amesial side 32 of the bracket body adjacent to the bracket groove, and adistal recess 34 is positioned on a distal side 36 of the bracket bodyadjacent to the bracket groove. The mesial recess includes a mesialfirst depression 38 positioned away from the bracket slot and a mesialsecond depression 40 positioned towards the bracket slot that bothrespectively have center lines 42A and 42B that are preferably orientedperpendicular to the bracket's tip angle 44. Similarly, the distalrecess includes a distal first depression 46 positioned away from thebracket slot and a distal second depression 48 positioned towards thebracket slot also both respectively having center lines that arepreferably oriented perpendicular to the bracket's tip angle. In analternative embodiment (not shown in the Figures), the recess may bepositioned within the bracket groove, for example, in the center of thebracket groove, and may include a first depression positioned away fromthe bracket slot and a second depression positioned towards the bracketslot.

The one or more depressions are sized to engage the spring mechanismsuch that the bracket door can alternate or switch between an openposition, in which the bracket slot is exposed such that a user canremove or place an archwire, and a closed position, in which the bracketslot is enclosed such that the archwire is securely retained in thebracket slot. For example, in the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS.1 and 2, the bracket door is slidably movable into the open positionupon application of a force to the door such that the spring mechanismslides into the mesial first depression and the distal first depressionand propels or biases the door open. Similarly, the bracket door isslidably movable into the closed position upon application of a force tothe door such that the spring mechanism slides into the mesial seconddepression and the distal second depression and propels or biases thedoor closed. Preferably, the distance between the center lines of themesial first depression and the mesial second depression (the distancebetween 42A and 42B) and the distance between the center lines of thedistal first depression and the distal second depression are preferablysized to allow for the open position of the bracket door to sufficientlyclear the bracket slot.

In a preferred embodiment, the self-ligating orthodontic bracket may bepreassembled with the bracket door operatively engaged to the bracketbody. Alternatively, the bracket door may be a separate component, inwhich case the bracket door can be easily assembled as subsequentlydescribed to engage with the bracket body. The bracket body includestapered sides 50 positioned on both the mesial side and distal side ofthe bracket body which taper towards the bracket groove. These taperedsides engage the spring mechanism as the bracket door is slidably pushedtowards the mesial first depression 38 and the distal first depression46, allowing for easy assembly of the bracket door to the bracket body.Moreover, depressions 38 and 46 each include side walls 51 that arepreferably, cooperatively angled to retain the spring mechanism andprevent accidental disassembly of the bracket door from the bracketbody.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the bracket door includes a door head 52having opposing side edges 53, and a door base 54 having preferablycurved, opposing side edges 55. The top side 56 of the door head ispreferably rounded to improve patient comfort. Preferably, the bracketdoor extends throughout the entire width of the bracket in a continuoussurface without crevices or jagged edges, thus preventing plaque andfurther improving patient comfort. The bracket door also preferablyextends the entire width of the archwire slot, allowing for betterexpression of the bracket prescription.

In a preferred aspect, the spring mechanism includes one or moresprings, and the bracket door includes a receiving feature 57 sized toengage the one or more springs. The receiving feature operates to lockand implement the spring mechanism. In the preferred embodiment depictedin FIG. 3A, in which the spring mechanism includes two springs, thereceiving feature 57 is on the bottom side 58 of the door base andincludes two cavities and two grooves, namely a mesial cavity 60 havinga trailing mesial groove 62, and a distal cavity 64 having a trailingdistal groove 66. In an alternative exemplary embodiment (not shown inthe Figures), the spring mechanism may include only one spring, and thereceiving feature on the bottom side of the door base may include onlyone cavity and groove, for example a center cavity having a trailingcenter groove. It should be noted that although the Figures depict thereceiving feature on the bottom side of the door base, the receivingfeature is not so limited; for example, the receiving feature may belocated at a different position inside or on a surface of the bracketdoor.

Furthermore, the receiving feature 57 preferably includes one or morespring recesses 68 that curve around a surface of the door base and thatare sized to engage the spring mechanism. For example, in the preferredembodiment illustrated in FIG. 3B, the spring recesses 68 curve aroundan external surface of both a mesial side and a distal side of the doorbase. Alternatively, the spring recess may curve around an internalsurface of the door base, for example, within a trailing center groove.Various other configurations for the receiving feature may becontemplated by a person of ordinary skill to engage the springmechanism of the one or more springs within the scope of the presentinvention.

In the preferred, exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 3A, thespring mechanism includes two springs 70A and 70B that are preferablymirror images of each other. The springs are preferably metallic, andthe springs deflect upon insertion into the bracket door and providespring forces when interacting with the bracket door and the bracketbody. In a preferred aspect, these springs each provide three differentforces: a force required to begin opening the bracket door, a forcerequired to begin closing the bracket door, and a force occurringroughly halfway between the open position and the closed position thatis required to propel the door to either of the two positions.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a preferred geometry or configuration of eachspring, although only one of the two springs (70A) is illustrated forsimplicity. Each spring has a first end 72, an intermediate segment 74including a spring portion 76, and a second end 78. The intermediatesegment is preferably shaped to maximize the running length of thespring and distribute stresses caused by movement of the bracket door,for example, by having a U-shaped configuration of one or more springcoils as illustrated in FIG. 4A. The first end of each spring is sizedto engage or contact a cavity (for example, cavities 60 or 64) on thebottom side of the bracket door, and the second end of each spring issized to engage or contact a depression in a recess (for example,recesses 30 or 34) on the bracket body. The intermediate segment of eachspring is sized to fit, engage, or contact a trailing groove (forexample, groove 62 or 66) on the bottom side of the bracket door andwrap or fit around a spring recess (for example, spring recess 68) alongan external or internal surface of the bracket door. For example, asshown in FIG. 3B, the intermediate segment of each spring may wraparound the spring recess along an external surface of the bracket door.

Preferably, the springs are round wire springs, thus providing for ease,cost-savings, and tighter tolerances in manufacturing. The second endsof each spring are preferably formed into a smooth round, or semi-round,surface during manufacture, allowing these spring ends to glide alongthe recesses in the bracket groove to operate the bracket door.

According to a preferred aspect of the exemplary embodiment depicted inFIG. 1, both springs are mirror images of each other and thus operatewith approximately identical opposing forces during opening or closingof the bracket door, thereby preventing the bracket door from binding.According to another preferred aspect, both springs can be used forself-ligating orthodontic brackets regardless of bracket prescriptionand tip angle without the need for individual springs to be dedicatedlydesigned for each bracket's prescription, thus allowing for ease ofmanufacture and economy of scale (i.e. cost-effectiveness). Preferably,the one or more springs, the one or more cavities on the bracket door,and the one or more depressions on the bracket body are individuallyoriented different distances from the bracket slot to accommodate forthe bracket's tip angle, thus enabling the use of approximatelyidentical springs for each bracket regardless of prescription. In thisway, the preferred embodiment is a significant improvement over theprior art, since it allows for economy of scale in the production ofsprings without requiring individually different springs to bemanufactured for each change in bracket prescription or tip angle.Additionally, the positioning of the one or more depressions on thebracket body such that their center lines (e.g. 42A and 42B in FIG. 2)are perpendicular to the bracket's tip angle provides for an eventransition of the bracket door between the open and closed position withapproximately identical forces imposed on and by both springs,regardless of the bracket's tip angle and irrespective of whether theone or more depressions are positioned on the sides of the bracket bodyor in the bracket groove.

The present invention's use of mirror image springs in the preferredembodiments described herein is significantly advantageous over priorself-ligating brackets since these springs can be used universally forall bracket prescriptions, regardless of tip angle, torque, and in-out.Orthodontic bracket prescriptions are numerous and may include varioustip angles and torques that change depending on whether the bracketprescription is MBT, Roth, Andrews, Hilgers, Rickets, or any otherprescription, and depending on whether the bracket is applied tocentrals, laterals, cuspids, bicuspids, incisors, or any other maxillaryor mandibular teeth. The preferred embodiments' use of mirror imagesprings 70A and 70B therefore provides significant benefits ofcost-effectiveness and economy of scale since these springs can be usedfor a plurality of bracket prescriptions without requiring theconfigurations of the springs to be uniquely designed for each tooth andfor each change in bracket tip angle or torque.

It is important to note that, although these mirror image springs havebeen described above as being retained by the bracket door, the benefitsprovided by the use of mirror image springs apply equally in alternativeembodiments where the springs are retained by the bracket body. In thisway, the springs may be used universally for all bracket prescriptions,regardless of tip angle and torque, no matter whether the springs areborne by the bracket door or the bracket body.

According to a preferred aspect, the one or more springs are orientedsuch that their sections occupy three different planes. Specifically,the first end of each spring is aligned along a first plane, hereinafterreferred to as a spring locking plane 80. The second end of each springis aligned along a second plane different from the first plane andperpendicular to the tip angle of the bracket body, hereinafter referredto as the spring action plane 82. Finally, the intermediate segment ofeach spring is sized to have a maximum running length along a thirdplane different from, and angled with respect to, both the first planeand the second plane, hereinafter referred to as the spring body plane84. In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 4B, the spring actionplane is orthogonal to the spring locking plane, and the spring bodyplane is angled 45 degrees with respect to both the spring locking planeand the spring body plane. However, other angular relationships betweenall three planes are possible; for example, the spring action plane maybe parallel to the spring locking plane, and the spring body plane maybe acutely angled at other degrees with respect to both the springaction plane and the spring locking plane. The unique positioning of themultiple sections of each spring along these planes preferably allowseach section to expand and deflect independently of each other, allowsthe spring mechanism to be securely retained by both the bracket doorand the bracket body without ease of disassembly, and enables thebracket door to operate, all as described with reference to FIGS. 5-10hereafter.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the positioning of the spring mechanism withrespect to the bracket door embodied in FIGS. 3A and 3B. According to apreferred aspect, the first end of each spring engages or contacts thecavities on the bottom side of the door base of the bracket door alongthe spring locking plane, leaving the second end of each spring free tomove along the spring action plane in engagement with the recessesadjacent to the bracket groove on the bracket body. According to anotherpreferred aspect, the bracket door includes relief areas or cavities 86(also shown in FIG. 3B) that provide space in which the spring portion76 can deflect while the bracket door is installed to, or moved along,the bracket body. These relief areas preferably have rounded edges sizedto receive the round wire springs. They are preferably hidden from viewand not exposed on the bracket's external surface, and they allow formaximal deflection of the springs along the spring action plane when thebracket door is installed to the bracket body.

As emphasized in FIGS. 5 and 6, the door base of the bracket door ispreferably shaped in the form of a dovetail. The dovetail shapemaximizes the total area in which the one or more springs can be placedor inserted into the bracket door. Moreover, the dovetail shape allowsfor the maximum running length of each spring to help distributestresses and thereby improve the stress flow caused by movement of thedoor. Moreover, the dovetail shaped bracket door provides for increasedcross-sectional thickness that is critical to the strength of thebracket and improves the strength of the bracket door. Furthermore, thecross-sectional thickness of the bracket door in combination with thefact that the bracket door preferably covers the full expanse of thebracket slot allows for stresses imposed by movement of the archwireduring treatment to be translated along the entire door's width to thebracket door's dovetail, further improving the strength of the bracket.Preferably, the bracket door also has a curved shape that reduces stressconcentrations imposed by movement of the archwire and allows for easeof manufacture during injection molding.

The dovetail shape further helps to retain the spring mechanism in thebracket door by allowing for the maximum running length of the one ormore springs. When the intermediate segments of each spring are wrappedaround a surface of the bracket door along the spring body plane, forexample, within the curved spring recesses 68 as shown in FIGS. 3B and6, the first end of each spring helps to prevent the spring mechanismfrom disassembling from the bracket door. In alternative embodiments,for example, where the spring recess curves around an internal surfaceof the bracket door, the intermediate segment of the one or more springshelps to prevent the spring mechanism from disassembling from thebracket door. As a result, the first end or intermediate segment of eachspring may assist in preventing the spring mechanism from disassemblingfrom the bracket door and allows each spring to securely lock into thebracket door without the need for additives or adhesives. Althoughslight deformation of the intermediate segment of each spring along thespring body plane may occur, the intermediate segments of each springare preferably sized to have a large curving bend that allows for easyinstallation of the spring mechanism without causing any permanentdeformation to the springs during assembly.

Furthermore, the bracket groove is preferably shaped to slidinglyreceive the door base of the bracket door. The opposing side slots 87 ofthe bracket groove are preferably curved to complementarily receive thedovetail-shaped door base of the bracket door. Moreover, the opposingside slots 87 guide and support the bracket door, particularly theopposing side edges 55 of the door base, as it moves along a single axisaway from and towards the bracket slot between the opened and closedpositions. Additionally, the mesial surface 29A and distal surface 29Bof the bracket body support the opposing side edges 53 of the door headas the bracket door moves between the opened and closed positions. Thebracket body thus prevents the bracket door from moving along any otherplane of motion, thereby preventing binding and reducing stress riserswhen the bracket door undergoes stress from the archwire.

Furthermore, when the bracket door with the spring mechanism is pressedalong the tapered sides 50 into the bracket groove of the bracket bodyduring installation of the bracket door, the spring portion 76 of eachspring deflects along the plane of spring action, preferably elasticallyand alternatively plastically, until the second ends of each springslide into their respective depressions (38 and 46), thereby retainingthe bracket door in the bracket body without the need for adhesives oradditives. In addition, the springs form a surface-to-surface contactwith the bracket body that does not allow the springs to deflect whentrying to move the bracket door back past the open position in attemptto disassemble the bracket. This configuration thus requires more forceto disassemble the bracket door from the bracket body due to thegeometry of the bracket groove and the positioning of the springmechanism, therefore allowing for ease of assembly and relativelydifficult disassembly without requiring crimping, bending, coining,fastening, gluing, or other similar assembly methods which wereconventionally used in prior self-ligating brackets.

Therefore, the preferred embodiment implements a double lockingmechanism, where the first ends of the springs lock into the bracketdoor, and the second ends of the springs lock into the bracket body,without the need for additives, adhesives, crimping, bending, coining,fastening, or gluing the bracket door to the bracket body. Thismechanism thus only allows for disassembly of the bracket door throughdeflection of the springs along the plane of spring action, which isdifficult to achieve due to the bracket's imposed physical barrier onthe spring mechanism. Therefore, the bracket door can only bedisassembled from the bracket by significant deformation of the one ormore springs. Additionally, the tight engagement of the spring mechanismto the bracket body and the bracket door preferably results in nohollows or room, and thus minimal empty space, for plaque orcalcification to grow.

FIGS. 7-10 illustrate the above-described preferred embodiment of theself-ligating bracket after the bracket door has been successfullyassembled onto the bracket body. Particularly, FIGS. 7-8 depict thebracket door in the open position, while FIGS. 9-10 depict the bracketdoor in the closed position. When the bracket door is open, the bracketslot is exposed, allowing a user to remove or place an archwire in thebracket slot. When the bracket door is closed, the bracket door fullyencloses the archwire in the bracket slot, thereby allowing the bracketto passively express its prescription. Alternatively, the springmechanism may include an additional spring that is adapted to contactthe archwire during movement, such as described below with reference toFIGS. 17-20, thereby allowing the bracket to fully or actively expressits prescription.

Movement of the bracket door along the bracket groove is relativelystraightforward. According to a preferred aspect, both recesses oneither side of the bracket groove include depressions which tapertowards each other until a midpoint 88 (see FIG. 2). These midpoints ortapered angles define the position where the bracket door smoothlytransitions and propels from the open position to the closed position,and vice-versa. For example, when the bracket door is in the openposition, the second ends of each spring engage the mesial firstdepression and the distal first depression, respectively. As the bracketdoor moves along the bracket groove toward the bracket slot, the secondends and spring portion 76 of each spring elastically or plasticallydeflect within relief areas 86 towards the center of the bracket groovein a direction perpendicular to the bracket's tip angle 44 as thedepressions taper off towards their respective midpoints. Once thesecond ends of each spring reach their respective midpoints, the tensioncaused by the deflection of the springs is allowed to release,translating into a linear force that propels or biases the bracket dooralong the bracket groove to the closed position. A similar proceduretakes place when the bracket door is moved from the closed position tothe open position. Due to the approximately identical lengths of eachspring's portion 76, both springs respond with approximately identicalforces regardless of the bracket's tip angle and prevent biasing of thedoor towards either side of the bracket body, thus preventing binding ofthe bracket door.

Various other bracket features may also be included as preferredaspects. According to one preferred aspect, the top side of the bracketbody includes a tool depression 90 (see FIG. 7) positioned adjacent tothe bracket slot which is preferably sized to accept a torqueingmechanism that can be used to pry open the bracket door, such as aflathead screwdriver. According to another preferred aspect, the bracketdoor may be opened without a tool. According to another preferredaspect, the bracket body includes curved tie wings having grooves 92(see FIG. 8) on both the occlusal side and the gingival side of thebracket body for possible use of optional ligatures. These curved tiewings are preferably made using a rounded cut, allowing for improved fitand strength and better retention of elastomeric bands.

According to another preferred aspect, the top side of the bracket bodyincludes an area 94 and a groove 96 (see FIG. 9) on which visualorthodontic references may be applied, such as color-coded markings,thus allowing the bracket to provide a doctor with distinct visual cuesthat for instance describe the vertical and archwire axis of thebracket. According to a further preferred aspect, the head of thebracket door is sized to a cross-sectional thickness allowing forimproved strength and durability of the bracket. According to anotherpreferred aspect, the depressions on the bracket body have curvaturesthat are sized for bracket strength and conventional ceramic or metallicbracket injection molding and are sized to perfectly mate with the roundwire springs, thereby allowing for improved gliding action of thebracket door with less chance of binding.

FIGS. 11A-13B illustrate exemplary embodiments of the above-describedself-ligating bracket in both the open position and the closed position.The illustrations here depict two examples of self-ligating brackets fortwo different teeth, specifically an upper cuspid bracket 100 such as aU3R bracket for placement on a maxillary or upper tooth (see FIGS. 11A,12A, and 13A), and a lower anterior bracket 200 such as a L12 bracketfor placement on a mandibular or lower tooth (see FIGS. 11B, 12B, and13B). Although only two examples for two different teeth are hereillustrated, it is to be understood that the self-ligating orthodonticbracket may be designed for placement on any maxillary and mandibulartooth.

FIGS. 14-16 illustrate an alternative, preferred aspect of the preferredembodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-13B as applied on a molar tooth.Specifically, FIGS. 14-16 illustrate the self-ligating orthodonticbracket 10 described above, including bracket body 12, dovetail-shapedbracket door 18, and spring mechanism 20 of one or more springs thatpropels the bracket between the open and closed positions. In thisaspect, however, base 22 is dual-compound contoured and includes pylons300 for bonding the base to a surface of a molar tooth. The one or moresprings in this aspect are identical to those used in the springmechanism illustrated in FIGS. 1-13B, and thus operate withapproximately identical opposing forces during opening or closing of thebracket door. In this way, the self-ligating bracket 10 is a significantimprovement over the prior art, since it allows for economy of scale inthe production of springs without requiring individually differentsprings to be manufactured for each change in bracket prescription ortip angle.

According to a preferred aspect, the pylons on the base allow formaximal bonding surface area and improved bond strength. Additionally,the base is preferably micro-etched to provide greater bond strength.Furthermore, it should be noted that although pylons are expresslyreferenced in the Figures, other bonding systems may be used. Forinstance, a mesh base may be used, or a smooth base with small shards ofceramic. These bonding systems may be applied to any maxillary ormandibular tooth.

Various other preferred aspects for the self-ligating bracket areprovided. In one preferred aspect, the bracket door and bracket body maybe metallic or ceramic, while the spring mechanism is metallic. Inanother preferred aspect, the bracket in FIGS. 14-16 may include a hook27 that is shaped to facilitate attachment of an elastomeric, such as aligature, onto the hook, without coming into contact with the gingiva.The shape of the hook may vary depending on the material used for theself-ligating bracket to provide increased strength for the bracket. Ina further preferred aspect, the bracket slot 24 has a fluted inlet tofacilitate insertion of an archwire into the bracket slot while thebracket door is in the closed position. In an additional preferredaspect, the self-ligating bracket includes curved tie wing grooves 92underneath the tie wings on the occlusal side and the gingival side ofthe bracket body to allow for the use of optional ligatures or otherelastomerics. In a further preferred aspect, the self-ligating bracketmay include an area 94 or groove 96 on which visual orthodonticreferences may be applied, such as color-coded markings, thus allowingthe bracket to provide a doctor with distinct visual cues that forinstance describe the vertical and archwire axis of the bracket.

In yet another preferred aspect, when the bracket door is closed, thebracket door fully encloses the archwire in the bracket slot, therebyallowing the bracket to passively express its prescription. In anotherpreferred aspect, the bracket door may include an additional spring thatis adapted to contact the archwire during movement, such as describedwith reference to FIGS. 17-20 below, thereby allowing the bracket tofully or actively express its prescription.

FIGS. 17-20 illustrate an alternative preferred aspect of the preferredembodiment of the self-ligating orthodontic bracket described anddepicted above with reference to FIGS. 1-16, including an additionalspring to actively press against the archwire. Specifically, FIGS. 17-20illustrate self-ligating orthodontic bracket 10 including bracket body12, dovetail-shaped bracket door 18, and one or more springs that engageone or more depressions on the bracket body, bias or propel the bracketbetween the open and closed positions, and prevent disassembly of thebracket door from the bracket body. However, in this preferred aspect,the first end 72 and the second end 78 of the one or more springs (70A,70B) are aligned on parallel planes instead of orthogonal planes (whichare referenced in FIG. 4B as spring locking plane 80 and spring actionplane 82, respectively). Additionally, the first end 72 of each springis positioned on and retained by ledges 302 (see FIGS. 18 and 19) oneither side of the door base 54, which replace the mesial and distalcavities 60 and 64 illustrated in FIG. 3A.

According to a preferred aspect of the bracket depicted in FIGS. 17-20,the spring mechanism 20 includes two springs that are mirror images ofeach other and thus operate with approximately identical opposing forcesduring opening or closing of the bracket door, thereby preventing thebracket door from binding. According to a preferred aspect, both springscan be used for self-ligating orthodontic brackets regardless of bracketprescription and tip angle without the need for individual springs to bededicatedly designed for each bracket's prescription, thus allowing forease of manufacture and economy of scale (i.e. cost-effectiveness). Inthis way, the preferred embodiment is a significant improvement over theprior art, since it allows for economy of scale in the production ofsprings without requiring individually different springs to bemanufactured for each change in bracket prescription or tip angle.

The benefits of cost-effectiveness and economy of scale brought by theuse of mirror image springs are significantly advantageous over priorself-ligating brackets since these springs can be used universally forall bracket prescriptions, regardless of tip angle and torque. It isimportant to note that, although these mirror image springs have beendescribed above as being retained by the bracket door, the benefitsprovided by the use of mirror image springs apply equally in embodimentswhere the springs are retained by the bracket body. In this way, thesprings may be used universally for all bracket prescriptions,regardless of tip angle and torque, no matter whether the springs areborne by the bracket door or the bracket body.

Referring to FIG. 17, in this preferred aspect, there are provided oneor more additional, active spring members 400 that are borne by thebracket door and positioned to contact or press against the archwire 26.Although a single active spring member 400 is depicted in the Figures asaligning with the center of the self-ligating bracket, it should benoted that multiple active spring members 400 may be positioned at aplurality of locations anywhere along the width of the bracket.

The one or more active spring members preferably have a first portion orretaining portion 402, and a second portion or contacting portion 404.Preferably, the retaining portion 402 is insertable into and borne bythe bracket door. Alternatively, the active spring member 400 is a tangintegrally borne by and extending from the bracket door as a singlecomponent. The contacting portion 404 is configured to contact thearchwire in the bracket slot when the bracket door is in the closedposition and to progressively apply a force against the archwire that isdirectly proportional to the archwire's size. Complementing the one ormore active spring members are one or more active spring cavities 406and one or more active spring channels 408 located on the bracket door.

The configuration of the one or more active spring cavities and activespring channels allow the bracket door to fully retain the one or moreactive spring members. In the preferred aspect described with referenceto FIGS. 17-18, an active spring cavity 406 is centrally located on thebottom or lingual side of the door base 54 of the bracket door and issized to receive and retain the insertable, vertically-extendingretaining portion 402 of the active spring member. The active springcavity 406 thus prevents movement of the active spring member in thevertical and horizontal directions when the bracket door is in theclosed position. Alternatively, the active spring member is a tang whoseretaining portion 402 is integrally fitted within the active springcavity 406 such that the bracket door and the active spring member areformed into a single component. Additionally, the active spring channel408 is centrally positioned to run along the lingual side of the doorbase 54 and door head 52 of the bracket door in the gingival directiontowards the bracket slot 24 until it opens into an aperture 410 situatedon the bracket door. Although FIGS. 17-18 illustrate that aperture 410is situated on and visible from the labial side of the bracket door,aperture 410 may be situated on the lingual side of the bracket doorsuch that it is invisible from the labial side of the bracket door. Theactive spring channel 408 is sized to receive the contacting portion 404of the active spring member when it deflects from contact with thearchwire. More specifically, as the size of the archwire is increasedduring orthodontic treatment, the contacting portion 404 of the activespring member increasingly flexes due to contact with the archwire untilthe maximum archwire size is used, after which the contacting portionmaximally deflects and is received in the active spring channel. Theactive spring channel 408 further includes channel sides 412 that serveto guide the active spring member into the channel when the activespring member maximally deflects, thus preventing the active springmember from binding or deflecting away from the channel due to contactwith the archwire.

According to one preferred aspect, the self-ligating bracket may includea central tie wing groove 414 (see FIG. 17) positioned on the gingivalside of the bracket body that provides a purchase point for a clinicianto facilitate placement of an optional elastomeric, such as a ligature.According to another preferred aspect, the self-ligating bracketincludes curved tie wing grooves 92 (see FIG. 20) underneath the tiewings on the occlusal side and the gingival side of the bracket body toallow for the use of optional ligatures or other elastomerics, such assteel ligatures or power chains, either individually or multiplesimultaneously. According to yet another preferred aspect, the one ormore active spring members are optional and are selectively connectableto and removable from the bracket door, thereby allowing theself-ligating bracket to have both an active and passive configurationas well as economy of scale in manufacture from the use of identicalbracket doors and bracket bodies in each configuration.

According to a further preferred aspect, the base 22 of the bracket bodyincludes pylons 300 (see FIG. 20) for bonding the base to a surface of atooth. According to a preferred aspect, the pylons on the base allow formaximal bonding surface area and improved bond strength. Additionally,the base is preferably micro-etched to provide greater bond strength.Furthermore, it should be noted that although pylons are expresslyreferenced, other bonding systems may be used without departing from thescope of the present invention. For instance, a mesh base may be used,or a smooth base with small shards of ceramic. These bonding systems maybe applied to any maxillary or mandibular tooth.

As illustrated in FIG. 20, the one or more active spring members are ina resting state when the bracket slot is empty. When an archwire isinserted into the bracket slot while the bracket door is in the closedposition, the one or more active spring members contact or press againstthe archwire. In one preferred aspect, the one or more active springmembers are positioned to contact any conventionally sized archwire andapply progressively more force against the archwire in the bracket slotas the archwire size is increased, resulting in progressively greaterdeflection of the contacting portion 404 toward the active springchannel until a maximum conventional archwire size is used. In analternative preferred aspect, the one or more active spring members onlycome into contact with the archwire at a predetermined archwire size. Inthis aspect, only when the archwire has the predetermined archwire sizedoes the contacting portion press the archwire against a corner of thebracket slot opposite the one or more active spring members. In anotherpreferred aspect, the force applied by the one or more active springmembers against the archwire in the bracket slot may vary based on thetemper, diameter, and geometry of the one or more active spring members.

While certain embodiments have been illustrated and described herein,those embodiments are not necessarily to be construed as advantageousover other embodiments for implementing the apparatus of the presentsubject matter. Other variations and equivalents are possible and shouldbe considered within the scope of the present subject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. An orthodontic self-ligating bracket fororthodontic treatment of maloccluded teeth, the bracket comprising: abracket body having a bottom side and a top side, the bracket bodyincluding: a base on the bottom side of the bracket body that iscontoured to attach to a surface of a tooth; a bracket slot on the topside of the bracket body, the bracket slot extending in a mesiodistaldirection and configured to releasably retain an archwire; and a bracketgroove on the top side of the bracket body extending in anocclusogingival direction towards the bracket slot and including one ormore first depressions and one or more second depressions; a bracketdoor having a bottom side and a top side, wherein the bracket doorslidably engages the bracket groove between an open position and aclosed position, wherein the bracket slot is exposed when the bracketdoor is in the open position to allow for placement and removal of thearchwire, and wherein the bracket slot is enclosed to securely retainthe archwire when the bracket door is in the closed position; and one ormore springs separate from the bracket door and configured to propel thebracket door between the open position and the closed position, whereinthe bracket door is slidably movable and is propelled into the openposition upon application of a force to the door such that the one ormore springs slide into the one or more first depressions, and whereinthe bracket door is slidably movable and is propelled into the closedposition upon application of a force to the door such that the one ormore springs slide into the one or more second depressions.
 2. Theorthodontic self-ligating bracket of claim 1, wherein the one or morefirst depressions and the one or more second depressions taper offtowards each other at one or more midpoints, and wherein the one or moremidpoints define the positions where the bracket door propels betweenthe open position and the closed position.
 3. The orthodonticself-ligating bracket of claim 1, wherein the one or more springs areborne by the door.
 4. The orthodontic self-ligating bracket of claim 1,further comprising: one or more active springs separate from the one ormore springs and each including a first portion and a second portion,wherein the first portion of the one or more active springs isconfigured to be inserted in the bracket door; and wherein the secondportion of the one or more active springs is configured to contact thearchwire in the bracket slot when the bracket door is in the closedposition.
 5. The orthodontic self-ligating bracket of claim 1, furthercomprising: one or more active springs separate from the one or moresprings and configured to contact the archwire in the bracket slot whenthe bracket door is in the closed position, wherein each of the one ormore active springs is a tang integrally retained by the bracket door.6. The orthodontic self-ligating bracket of claim 1, wherein the one ormore springs are a plurality of springs that are mirror images of eachother, wherein the orthodontic self-ligating bracket has a predeterminedprescription including tip angle and torque, and wherein the pluralityof springs allow the orthodontic self-ligating bracket to operateregardless of the predetermined prescription of the bracket.
 7. Anorthodontic self-ligating bracket for orthodontic treatment ofmaloccluded teeth, the bracket comprising: a bracket body having abottom side and a top side, the bracket body including: a base on thebottom side of the bracket body that is contoured to attach to a surfaceof a tooth; a bracket slot on the top side of the bracket body, thebracket slot extending in a mesiodistal direction and configured toreleasably retain an archwire; and a bracket groove on the top side ofthe bracket body extending towards the bracket slot; a bracket doorhaving a bottom side and a top side, wherein the bracket door slidablyengages the bracket groove between an open position and a closedposition, wherein the bracket slot is exposed when the bracket door isin the open position to allow for placement and removal of the archwire,and wherein the bracket slot is enclosed to securely retain the archwirewhen the bracket door is in the closed position; one or more springsseparate from the bracket door and configured to propel the bracket doorbetween the open position and the closed position; and one or moreactive springs borne by the bracket door and separate from the one ormore springs, the one or more active springs being configured to contactthe archwire in the bracket slot when the bracket door is in the closedposition.
 8. The orthodontic self-ligating bracket of claim 7, whereinthe one or more active springs each include a first portion and a secondportion, wherein the first portion of the one or more active springs isconfigured to be inserted in the bracket door; and wherein the secondportion of the one or more active springs is configured to contact thearchwire in the bracket slot when the bracket door is in the closedposition.
 9. The orthodontic self-ligating bracket of claim 7, whereineach of the one or more active springs is a tang integrally retained bythe bracket door.
 10. The orthodontic self-ligating bracket of claim 7,wherein the bracket groove extends in an occlusogingival directiontowards the bracket slot, wherein the bracket body includes one or morefirst depressions and one or more second depressions, wherein thebracket door is slidably movable and is propelled into the open positionupon application of a force to the door such that the one or moresprings slide into the one or more first depressions, and wherein thebracket door is slidably movable and is propelled into the closedposition upon application of a force to the door such that the one ormore springs slide into the one or more second depressions.
 11. Theorthodontic self-ligating bracket of claim 7, wherein the one or moresprings are a plurality of springs that are mirror images of each other,wherein the orthodontic self-ligating bracket has a predeterminedprescription including tip angle and torque, and wherein the pluralityof springs allow the orthodontic self-ligating bracket to operateregardless of the predetermined prescription of the bracket.
 12. Anorthodontic self-ligating bracket for orthodontic treatment ofmaloccluded teeth, the bracket comprising: a bracket body having abottom side and a top side, the bracket body including: a base on thebottom side of the bracket body that is contoured to attach to a surfaceof a tooth; a bracket slot on the top side of the bracket body, thebracket slot extending in a mesiodistal direction and configured toreleasably retain an archwire; and a bracket groove on the top side ofthe bracket body extending towards the bracket slot; a bracket doorhaving a bottom side and a top side, wherein the bracket door slidablyengages the bracket groove between an open position and a closedposition, wherein the bracket slot is exposed when the bracket door isin the open position to allow for placement and removal of the archwire,and wherein the bracket slot is enclosed to securely retain the archwirewhen the bracket door is in the closed position; and a plurality ofsprings separate from the bracket door that are mirror images of eachother and configured to propel the bracket door between the openposition and the closed position, wherein the orthodontic self-ligatingbracket has a predetermined prescription including tip angle and torque,and wherein the plurality of springs allow the orthodontic self-ligatingbracket to operate regardless of the predetermined prescription of thebracket.
 13. The orthodontic self-ligating bracket of claim 12, whereinthe plurality of springs are borne by the door.
 14. The orthodonticself-ligating bracket of claim 12, wherein the bracket groove extends inan occlusogingival direction towards the bracket slot, wherein thebracket body includes a plurality of first depressions and a pluralityof second depressions, wherein the bracket door is slidably movable andis propelled into the open position upon application of a force to thedoor such that the plurality of springs slide into the plurality offirst depressions, and wherein the bracket door is slidably movable andis propelled into the closed position upon application of a force to thedoor such that the plurality of springs slide into the plurality ofsecond depressions.
 15. The orthodontic self-ligating bracket of claim12, further comprising: one or more active springs separate from theplurality of springs and each including a first portion and a secondportion, wherein the first portion of the one or more active springs isconfigured to be inserted in the bracket door; and wherein the secondportion of the one or more active springs is configured to contact thearchwire in the bracket slot when the bracket door is in the closedposition.
 16. The orthodontic self-ligating bracket of claim 12, furthercomprising: one or more active springs separate from the plurality ofsprings and configured to contact the archwire in the bracket slot whenthe bracket door is in the closed position, wherein each of the one ormore active springs is a tang integrally retained by the bracket door.17. An orthodontic self-ligating bracket for orthodontic treatment ofmaloccluded teeth, the bracket comprising: a bracket body having abottom side and a top side, the bracket body including: a base on thebottom side of the bracket body that is contoured to attach to a surfaceof a tooth; a bracket slot on the top side of the bracket body, thebracket slot extending in a mesiodistal direction and configured toreleasably retain an archwire; and a bracket groove on the top side ofthe bracket body extending in an occlusogingival direction towards thebracket slot and including a plurality of first depressions and aplurality of second depressions; a bracket door having a bottom side anda top side, wherein the bracket door slidably engages the bracket groovebetween an open position and a closed position, wherein the bracket slotis exposed when the bracket door is in the open position to allow forplacement and removal of the archwire, and wherein the bracket slot isenclosed to securely retain the archwire when the bracket door is in theclosed position; a plurality of springs separate from the bracket doorand borne by the bracket door, wherein the plurality of springs aremirror images of each other and configured to propel the bracket doorbetween the open position and the closed position, wherein theorthodontic self-ligating bracket has a predetermined prescriptionincluding tip angle and torque, and wherein the plurality of springsallow the orthodontic self-ligating bracket to operate regardless of thepredetermined prescription of the bracket; one or more active springsborne by the bracket door and separate from the plurality of springs,the one or more active springs being configured to contact the archwirein the bracket slot when the bracket door is in the closed position; andwherein the bracket door is slidably movable and is propelled into theopen position upon application of a force to the door such that theplurality of springs slide into the plurality of first depressions, andwherein the bracket door is slidably movable and is propelled into theclosed position upon application of a force to the door such that theplurality of springs slide into the plurality of second depressions. 18.The orthodontic self-ligating bracket of claim 17, wherein the one ormore active springs each include a first portion and a second portion,wherein the first portion of the one or more active springs isconfigured to be inserted in the bracket door; wherein the bottom sideof the bracket door includes a recess and a channel, wherein the recessis sized to receive the first portion of the one or more active springs,and wherein the channel is sized to receive the second portion of theone or more active springs; and wherein the second portion of the one ormore active springs is configured to contact the archwire in the bracketslot when the bracket door is in the closed position.
 19. Theorthodontic self-ligating bracket of claim 17, wherein each of the oneor more active springs is a tang integrally retained by the bracketdoor.
 20. The orthodontic self-ligating bracket of claim 17, wherein theplurality of first depressions includes a mesial first depression and adistal first depression, wherein the plurality of second depressionsincludes a mesial second depression and a distal second depression,wherein the bracket body includes a mesial recess on a mesial side ofthe bracket groove and a distal recess on a distal side of the bracketgroove, wherein the mesial recess includes the mesial first depressionand the mesial second depression, and wherein the distal recess includesthe distal first depression and the distal second depression; whereinthe plurality of springs include a mesial spring and a distal spring,the mesial spring and the distal spring each including a first end, anintermediate segment, and a second end, wherein the first end of themesial spring engages into the bracket door and the second end of themesial spring interacts with the mesial side of the bracket groove,wherein the first end of the distal spring engages into the bracket doorand the second end of the distal spring interacts with the distal sideof the bracket groove, and wherein the intermediate segments of themesial spring and the distal spring each wrap around a surface of thebracket door; wherein the bracket door is slidably movable and ispropelled into the open position upon application of a force to the doorsuch that the mesial spring slides into the mesial first depression andsuch that the distal spring slides into the distal first depression, andwherein the bracket door is slidably movable and is propelled into theclosed position upon application of a force to the door such that themesial spring slides into the mesial second depression and such that thedistal spring slides into the distal second depression; and wherein themesial first depression and the mesial second depression taper offtowards each other at a first midpoint, wherein the distal firstdepression and the distal second depression taper off towards each otherat a second midpoint, and wherein the first midpoint and the secondmidpoint define the positions where the bracket door propels between theopen position and the closed position.
 21. The orthodontic self-ligatingbracket of claim 17, wherein the plurality of springs include a mesialspring and a distal spring, the mesial spring and the distal spring eachincluding a first end, an intermediate segment, and a second end,wherein the mesial spring and the distal spring are configured tocontact the bracket door and the bracket body such that the first endand the second end of each spring are positioned on different planes,and such that the intermediate segment of each spring is positioned onanother plane angled with respect to the planes on which the first endand the second end of each spring are aligned.
 22. The orthodonticself-ligating bracket of claim 17, wherein the plurality of springsinclude a mesial spring and a distal spring, wherein the bracketincludes relief areas within which a portion of the mesial spring and aportion of the distal spring deflect when the bracket door is slidablyengaged with the bracket groove and moved between the open position andthe closed position.
 23. The orthodontic self-ligating bracket of claim17, wherein the plurality of springs include a mesial spring and adistal spring, wherein the bracket groove includes tapered sidesconfigured to contact the mesial spring and the distal spring as thebracket door is slidably inserted into the bracket groove.
 24. Theorthodontic self-ligating bracket of claim 17, wherein the plurality ofsprings include a mesial spring and a distal spring, the mesial springand the distal spring each including a first end, an intermediatesegment, and a second end; wherein the bottom side of the bracket doorincludes a mesial cavity having a trailing mesial groove and a distalcavity having a trailing distal groove, the mesial cavity configured toreceive the first end of the mesial spring such that the intermediatesegment of the mesial spring travels along the trailing mesial groove,and the distal cavity configured to receive the first end of the distalspring such that the intermediate segment of the distal spring travelsalong the trailing distal groove; and wherein the bracket door includesa curved spring recess on both the mesial side and the distal side ofthe bracket door, and wherein each intermediate segment is configured towrap around the surface of the bracket door within each curved springrecess.
 25. The orthodontic self-ligating bracket of claim 17, whereinthe bracket door is shaped in the form of a male dovetail and whereinthe bracket groove is shaped in the form of a female dovetail.
 26. Anorthodontic self-ligating bracket for orthodontic treatment ofmaloccluded teeth, the bracket comprising: a bracket body having abottom side and a top side, the bracket body including: a base on thebottom side of the bracket body that is contoured to attach to a surfaceof a tooth; a bracket slot on the top side of the bracket body, thebracket slot extending in a mesiodistal direction and configured toreleasably retain an archwire; and a bracket groove on the top side ofthe bracket body extending towards the bracket slot; a bracket doorhaving a bottom side and a top side, wherein the bracket door slidablyengages the bracket groove between an open position and a closedposition, wherein the bracket slot is exposed when the bracket door isin the open position to allow for placement and removal of the archwire,and wherein the bracket slot is enclosed to securely retain the archwirewhen the bracket door is in the closed position; and one or more springsincluding a first end, an intermediate segment, and a second end,wherein the first end of the one or more springs is configured tocontact the bracket door, wherein the second end of the one or moresprings is configured to contact the bracket body, and wherein theintermediate segment of the one or more springs is configured to wraparound a surface of the bracket door.
 27. An orthodontic self-ligatingbracket for orthodontic treatment of maloccluded teeth, the bracketcomprising: a bracket body having a bottom side and a top side, thebracket body including: a base on the bottom side of the bracket bodythat is contoured to attach to a surface of a tooth; a bracket slot onthe top side of the bracket body, the bracket slot extending in amesiodistal direction and configured to releasably retain an archwire;and a bracket groove on the top side of the bracket body extendingtowards the bracket slot; a bracket door having a bottom side and a topside, wherein the bracket door slidably engages the bracket groovebetween an open position and a closed position, wherein the bracket slotis exposed when the bracket door is in the open position to allow forplacement and removal of the archwire, and wherein the bracket slot isenclosed to securely retain the archwire when the bracket door is in theclosed position; and one or more springs including a first end, anintermediate segment, and a second end, wherein the bottom side of thebracket door includes a cavity having a trailing groove, the cavityconfigured to receive the first end of the one or more springs such thatthe intermediate segment of the one or more springs travels along thetrailing groove, and wherein the second end of the one or more springsis configured to contact the bracket body.